A new report published on Friday by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) details the many ways hackers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit unsuspecting targets.
It includes new social engineering attacks that convince email users to give up sensitive data, and an increase in malware distributed via malicious links. Europol calls for law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and prepared.
“Criminals have quickly seized the opportunities to exploit the crisis by adapting their modes of operation or developing new criminal activities,” the report warns. “Organized crime groups are notoriously flexible and adaptable.”
Many of the methods are familiar, but they’ve changed to take advantage of the pandemic that many nations are fighting. In some cases, criminals are specifically targeting those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Crime changes for the coronavirus
With the coronavirus forcing millions of people indoors, an increasing number of us are shopping online, searching for health and hygiene products in particular. We’re also going online to work from home and keep in touch.
Criminals are using this as an opportunity for new scams. They are selling counterfeit or sub-standard goods, including healthcare products and personal protective equipment, and offering fake stocks that promise big returns.
One of the most common tricks a large number of people fall for is phishing scams. Criminals have started new, coronavirus-related scam campaigns that are sent out with the intention of fooling recipients into giving up sensitive data. This might include login credentials for certain websites, and bank details.
Similar scams are conducted over the phone, with citizens, businesses, and public organizations being promised healthcare supplies and equipment. They are quick to cough up during the pandemic, but they never receive their goods.
A greater threat
Europol also reported an increase in cybercrime attacks on businesses — some of which have put lives at risk. One, targeting the Brno University Hospital in Czechia, forced urgent surgeries to be postponed and patients to be moved to other facilities. The hospital’s entire IT system had to be shut down.
“The number of cyber-attacks is significant and expected to increase further,” Europol said. “Cybercriminals will continue to innovate in the deployment of various malware and ransomware packages themed around the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Europol said it is ready to support law enforcement agencies and other partners throughout this “unprecedented crisis.” It also urgent those partners to share pertinent investigations and intelligence to help identify cross-border links.
The fight goes on
“Crime is a seriously disrupting factor and a diversion from national and EU efforts to ensure the health and safety of citizens,” the report added. “That is why it is relevant to reinforce the fight against crime.”
Europol will continue to inform the public of these scams during the pandemic using preventative social media campaigns, it said. You can protect yourself by being extra vigilant online. Do not trust emails that ask you to log into online services — even if they appear genuine — and only buy from trusted sources.
